The Worst Advice We've Ever Heard About Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become severely damaged by neglect and age. Cosmetic damage could require a replacement. However, functional problems such as draughts or rattles are signs that a sash window needs to be repaired.
Steam the sash first to loosen it. Then remove the wood pegs using a pin punch and hammer. Identify and mark glass window repair that they can be replaced correctly in the future.
Wood that is damaged or broken
If not taken care of, rotting wood could cause brickwork to break down and damage plaster around the window. It's good to know that this issue can be corrected without replacing the window.
First, make sure the wood is dry. Look at the colour and grain of the wood to determine if it's damp-free. If the wood is brittle and brown, it means that it is quite likely rot has already started to take hold. Check if the sash's position is secured by a few spliced pieces of timber and if they aren't damp.
Moisture accumulating in the corners of sash frames is a common problem. This could cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. To fix this issue, clean the sash channel and eliminate any obstructions using a sharp wooden chisel. Once the sash channels are free of obstructions and dirt, they can be primed to prevent any future issues with damp.
Also, it's worth looking at the wood used to make up the window frame. It is recommended to use wood that is similar in grain pattern and colour to the wood pieces that are already in use otherwise it will be difficult to blend together the joins. It is also possible to consider using a wood preservative, which can help keep the wood in good condition and prevent rot.
If your sash window timber is severely damaged and rotten, it may be wise for you to replace it entirely. If you decide to do this then it is important to select an alternative that's of the same design as your existing windows and to ensure that it's as appealing when it's installed in your home. The choice of UPVC over timber for instance, can reduce the value of your home since potential buyers may think you are going against period style.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash is designed to move smoothly, however wood rot or other problems can impact its function. Additionally the window's performance is not optimal. It can lead to drafts and the loss of energy efficiency in the home. The longer you do not keep a sash-window in a secure location it will begin to wear out more quickly. This can decrease its lifespan and cause water or moisture infiltration.
It can be a hassle trying to determine the cause of a sash window issue. In many instances replacing the sash could be the solution. If the issue is due to decaying timber, misalignment or imbalance of the sash or broken glass, replacing one or both windows could help solve the issue.
Replacing just one sash of a window can be less expensive than replacing both the frame and the glass. It's also a less complicated task than installing new double-hung windows, which require a larger number of trims and parts to be removed. If you're looking to replace a sash within your home, a good place to start is by visually looking at the window and frame. You might notice gaps or issues that could cause the sash to tilt, and stop it from remaining up.
In the majority of cases, it is possible to repair a double-hung window if you remove the trim and work from the inside. The first step is to take out the sash stops in the interior that create tracks on the side of the window that is on the bottom. Spray the water hose on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, you can pry the stop away using a utility blade. Then, you can employ a razor blade to remove any nail heads sticking out of the side of the stop.
After you've removed the sash and frame to look for an access panel for weights, which is a knockout in the frame that's big enough to allow a sash weight through. If your frame doesn't have one, you can create an access hole from scratch by cutting a rectangle into the vinyl jamb liners to the size of the stile on the sash.
Faulty Sash Weighs
The two weights that pull the sash up and down may become disconnected from each other over time, leading to the sash getting jammed or stuck in an open position. This is usually caused by worn or broken sash cords which need to be replaced.
It is important to apply dust sheets wherever possible during this repair project to stop dirt or other debris from getting on your furniture or carpet. This is crucial, particularly when you plan to lift and move the window during your work.
When the sash is completely free begin by carefully taking off the staff beads on the opposite side of the window frame using a thin wide chisel. There should be a groove running along each side of the sash. It ultimately ends in a knot hole, which is where the new cord for the sash will be positioned. Remove any old cord knots stuck or glued into the hole.
Begin by replacing the top sash cord. To accomplish this you need to lower the sash slowly until it hits the bottom sill. Support it with an elongated piece of wood either side of the frame. Otherwise it could fall on the floor, causing damage to the glass.
Then, take off the access panel to the frame and then retrieve the sash cable and sashweight. Once you have the weight take the dado off the edge of the wood and then insert the nail to secure it. Use a nail long enough to get into the pocket of the sash, otherwise it will not fit.
Once you have placed the weight on the sash, you can replace the sash by feeding the cord into the hole. Then, you can push the sash up onto the rails, and down into the window box, examine the way it opens and closes and then apply more lubrication the rails if required (we recommend candle wax for wood, or silicone spray for vinyl).
Replace both cords. Make sure that they're the same length so that if you remove one from the pin, it will slide through the sash and then rest at the pulley, which will allow the sash to function normally. Once the sash is re-hung it is then possible to re-attach the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Glass that is damaged
A stray baseball or broom handle or an errant pebble thrown by a lawnmower are often enough to crack a window. Broken glass can allow water, snow, rain and insects to enter the home. In some instances the resultant damage could require a complete replacement of the window. The installation of new windows can be an expensive and time-consuming home improvement project. In the majority of instances, replacing damaged window panes can be a much more manageable and less costly option.
It is crucial to check the existing sash thoroughly before making any attempt to replace the glass. This will allow you to identify any previously hidden areas in which the wood is beginning to rot or where old glue, weather stripping and hardware have become damaged. Taking the time to perform this inspection will prevent you from having to perform more work down the line.
After removing the glass, it is a good idea to get the wood coated with a homemade wood preserver. Mix equal parts mineral spirit and linseed in order to make the wood preservative. Apply the mix using a putty blade to the sash's surface and let it dry completely. This will ensure that the new glass and sash are resistant to water and will last for a long time.
If the sash in good condition, you can replace it without having to remove the glass. The first step is to take off the window stop. It's a vertical piece of wood that is located over the stiles of the window frame. This is usually fixed with a small pry bar that is placed over a stiff-bladed knife. After removing the stop you can cut the stiles and rails with an hammer for woodworking or a soft-faced hammer. This will ensure that you don't damage the profile. The next step is to remove the muntins. They are the horizontal and vertical pieces of wood that divide each glass pane within a sash.
It's simple to replace damaged glass after the muntins have been removed. Insert the metal tabs from each new pane into the slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in their place.